Howdy again, Hey I'm trying to find a good, easy to read diagram or instruction on how to bind snowshoes in a period correct way.
I have googled, and found a few diagrams, but they are barely readable. I am planning on using leather, or hemp. Anyhow, would sure like some advice...

_________________“A good dog is so much a nobler beast than an indifferent man that one sometimes gladly exchanges the society of one for that of the other.” (William Francis Butler) Stardancer Historical Freight Dogs at http://www.tworiversak.com/mushing.htm

friend i wouldent use hemp in snow shoe binding it does not dry hard and stiff like leather im am looking to finish another pair, the frist i did with hemp and again wouldent advise it im gana be using leather i hope, cow hide

At this point the most comfortable snowshoe binding material I've found is long strips of wool. If you use a good broadcloth the edges won't fray enough that you'll need to be concerned.

I used hemp a long time ago and didn't like the way the narrow rope cut across my foot and toes; especially in winter mocs that only have a couple of pair of socks as cushioning. With the wool I can wrap the binding around my toes without it cutting in as much. For my snowshoes I use strips of cloth that are about 4' in length to start so I have plenty to wrap around my feet.

Lamp wick was used in Alaska throughout the time it was readily available. I think the strips of broadcloth suggested above would be similar, and probably pretty comfortable compared to line.

I've most frequently used heavily oiled leather, but it does need relatively frequent adjustment.

_________________“A good dog is so much a nobler beast than an indifferent man that one sometimes gladly exchanges the society of one for that of the other.” (William Francis Butler) Stardancer Historical Freight Dogs at http://www.tworiversak.com/mushing.htm